The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Two of the following questions will be selected for the 2026 Discussion Meet preliminary rounds:
- From Farm Bill negotiations to local ordinances, agricultural policy impacts every farmer. How can Farm Bureau encourage young farmer members to understand and engage in the policy making process at all levels of government?
- Technology is always advancing agricultural practices. What role can Farm Bureau play in equipping young farmers with the digital skills and practical experience they need while also addressing barriers to access, such as cost and connectivity?
- Young farmers have powerful stories to tell but making an impact means listening as much as speaking What tools, training, or support could Farm Bureau offer to help young farmers become trusted, effective communicators with today’s consumers, policymakers, and industry leaders?
During the preliminary rounds held January 24, 2026, during the 2026 Young Farmer Conference in Des Moines (1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.), participants compete in two rounds, each addressing one of these questions. Individuals compete on a panel of three to six people in a free-wheeling style, as if they were sitting around the kitchen table discussing a problem where they exchange ideas and information to solve the problem. The format is a 30 second opening statement, 20 minutes of group discussion, and a 60 second closing statement. Contestants are judged on cooperative attitude, problem solving & implementation, delivery, analysis of the topic, and opening and closing statements. Based on cumulative ranking after two rounds, the top ten semi-finalists will be determined.
Semi-finalists receive coaching throughout the year to prepare for the Iowa final rounds held December 8, 2026, during the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting & County Leadership Conference in Des Moines. Questions for the final rounds will be selected from the five questions provided by AFBF.
Prizes are awarded to four state finalists (taxes are the responsibility of the award winner):
- First Place
- Young Farmer Essentials Gift Card Bundle ($2,000 value) from Iowa Farm Bureau
- $1,500 cash award from GROWMARK
- Expense paid trip to the 2027 AFBF Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC January 8-13, 2027 to compete in the AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet
- Expense paid trip to the 2027 IFBF Young Farmer Conference January 22-23, 2027
- Second Place
- Young Farmer Essentials Gift Card Bundle ($1,000 value) from Iowa Farm Bureau
- $500 cash award from GROWMARK
- Third Place
- Young Farmer Essentials Gift Card Bundle ($750 value) from Iowa Farm Bureau
- $250 cash award from GROWMARK
- Fourth Place
- Young Farmer Essentials Gift Card Bundle ($500 value) from Iowa Farm Bureau
- $250 cash award from GROWMARK
Eligibility: Must be 35 years of age or younger as of Jan. 31, 2027, and a regular member in good standing with your county Farm Bureau. Previous state winners, current Young Farmer Advisory Committee members, and current employees or agents of Farm Bureau are ineligible. Participants may not have received a public speaking fee or honorarium.
Want to learn more? Join our All About Discussion Meet session at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23! Grab a drink and join this casual session to learn more about the competition’s structure and topics, and even see a mock Discussion Meet. After this session, you’ll be ready to compete on Saturday!
Register for the Discussion Meet at the 2026 Young Farmer Conference! Limited to 36 participants on a first-come, first-served basis in the Whova Conference App. Registrations accepted Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m.
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